Mr. Eric Grochowski

e-mail: egrochowski@kis.or.kr
phone# : 010-4815-0644

Algebra 2/Trigonometry



Welcome: Mathematics is the language humans have trusted since the beginning to explain and define the universe. The better we understand this language the better we understand our world. Mathematics is a logic system. As we learn math we improve our ability to reason and take necessary information in a situation and use it solve problems. We can apply these skills not only in the classroom, but equally importantly in everyday life.

Overview: Over the course of this semester we will be exploring the mathematic discipline of Algebra/Trigonometry. This will include but not be limited to; Equations/Inequalities, graphing functions, specific functions (polynomial, rational and conics, exponential and logarithmic), trigonometry basics and additionally topics, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, and probability. We will be covering this information is variety of mediums. Though book problems and worksheets will be a major factor in this course, we will also be using research, art, and other projects to expand our knowledge of Algebra/Trigonometry. In this class we are not merely interested in learning standard formulas and theorems, we are also interested using Algebra/Trigonometry to develop our higher orders of thinking such as analysis and synthesis. This means we will be working with word problems that stretch our logical thought process and critical thinking skills. In this class we will work hard, give our best effort, and also take a little time to have some fun while learning about Algebra/Trigonometry.

Classroom Expectations:
In this classroom our world revolves around respect. That means respect for the teacher, respect for your classmates, and respect for your self. This means we will be to class on time, be prepared for class (this includes having assignments that are due completed and ready to turn in prior to class starting) with your book and all necessary supplies, we treat everyone with respect (“put downs” of any sort have a zero tolerance policy in this room and this school and will be dealt with very seriously), when the teacher or anyone else is addressing the class we will listen silently with our total attention on the speaker, finally we will accept responsibility for our choices and take the consequences (positive and negative as they may be) that result from these choices. All KIS high school rules are enforced as well in this classroom.
Behavior: A minor failure to regard classroom expectations will result in a warning from Mr. Grochowski. Major failures will result in a conference with Mr. Grochowski after school to discuss how we are going to work to change the undesired behavior. Persistent major failures will result in a conference with the student, Mr. Grochowski, the student’s legal guardians, and school principle. All one has to do is remember respect and these consequences will never be a worry to us.

Overall Grade Breakdown:
Points will be calculated throughout the semester. Grades will be calculated on a weighted system as explained below.
Exam 40%
Quizzes 25% (this would include any projects)
Homework/class work 20%
Final Exam 15%
Total 100%

Grading requirements and expectations:
-Exams will be given at the end of every chapter.
-Quizzes will be given midway through every chapter.
-The Final Exam will be given on the designated day at the end of each semester and will be cumulative of that semester.
-Homework: THERE IS A NO LATE HOMEWORK POLICY IN THIS CLASS. All late homework can still be turned in and will be graded for learning purposes but will be recorded as a ZERO in the gradebook (NO EXCEPTIONS).
-Classwork: Classwork will be collected approximately once a week and will be graded based on completion. CLASSWORK ALSO HAS A NO LATE WORK POLICY.

Tardy and Absent Policy:
-
All missed work from Tardiness and UNEXCUSED absences cannot be made up.
-Excused absences will be given one extra day for every class period missed to make up the missed work. Test and quizzes may have to be scheduled out of class.
-Find Mr. Ski as soon as possible once returned to school for make up work and schedule.
-If you know you will be absent in the future, please let Mr. Ski know as soon as possible so he can develop make up assignments and schedule for you.

Materials:
All materials will be required for every class. Failure to bring said materials may result in a grade penalty.
-Algebra 2 by McDougal Littell (Text Book)
-Writing utensil with erasing capabilities
-2 spiral notebooks (200 pages +)
-Graphing calculator (TI-83/plus/plus silver addition, TI-84/plus/plus silver addition)

Final Thought from Mr. Ski:
As your teacher it is my duty and privilege to aid you in your learning of Algebra/Trigonometry. I will do my best everyday to make class interesting, insightful, and even fun. In my class we will work hard, but we will also have some laughs. My goal is not only to teach the basics of Algebra/Trigonometry, but also help my students use their higher orders of thinking. These higher orders such as analysis and synthesis will become invaluable to students in all aspects of their lives. In short I want my students not only to understand the concepts of Algebra/Trigonometry, but also be able to integrate this knowledge into their daily and professional lives. I want my students to learn to think for themselves and to become intelligent, motivated, happy adults. It is in this goal that I believe in educating the whole student, not just their mathematical mind. Over the semester we will engage in several activities that will help us grow as people. This means we will be doing activities that will take us out of our comfort zones and push us to try new things to make us better and more worldly people. I love questions and I believe there is no such thing a stupid question. I encourage students to ask as many questions as they can. There will be no tolerance in my class for those who would make fun of a student for asking a question. I want all my students to feel safe and comfortable learning and growing in my math class. I welcome you all to my class. Please bring an open mind and a willingness to learn and stretch yourself. If you can bring these things everyday you will find yourself enjoying and succeeding in this class.